RCB Focus Questioned by Venkatesh Prasad Before IPL 2025

Former Indian pacer Venkatesh Prasad has raised concerns about Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s (RCB) focus ahead of the IPL 2025 season. He questioned whether the franchise is truly dedicated to winning the tournament or more invested in building a brand. Prasad specifically criticized RCB’s lack of investment in local Karnataka talent, a factor that could impact their performance.

RCB’s Strategy Under the Scanner

Over the years, RCB has consistently relied on international and marquee Indian players rather than developing homegrown Karnataka talent. This strategy has come under fire, with many believing it has contributed to their failure to secure an IPL title.

“”Is their priority truly winning the IPL, or are they more focused on building a brand?” The lack of Karnataka players in their squad raises questions,” said Prasad in a statement.

Limited Karnataka Representation in RCB’s Squad

In the current squad, RCB features only two Karnataka-based players:

• Manoj Bhandage – An all-rounder signed in 2023, yet to get a game.
• Devdutt Padikkal – A talented batter who had strong seasons in 2020 and 2021 but was released and later re-signed in 2024 for Rs 2 crores.

Despite Karnataka’s rich cricketing history, RCB has failed to nurture local talent, unlike franchises like Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings, which prioritize homegrown players.

Key Concerns Surrounding RCB’s Approach

• Inconsistent selection of Karnataka players
• Heavy reliance on big-name overseas stars
• Lack of a structured long-term strategy
• Struggles in crucial IPL knockout matches

Will RCB’s Strategy Work in IPL 2025?

RCB is set to kick off their IPL 2025 campaign against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on March 22 at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. The team is once again banking on stalwarts like Virat Kohli, Faf du Plessis, and Glenn Maxwell. However, the lack of local representation and failure to groom young talent may prove costly.

The Debate Continues

With Prasad’s comments igniting discussions, fans and experts are divided. Some believe that RCB’s brand-driven approach has hindered their championship aspirations, while others argue that cricket is about performance, not regional bias.

Key Questions for RCB in IPL 2025:

• Can RCB finally break their title drought?
• Will the inclusion of Devdutt Padikkal strengthen their batting?
• Should they focus more on local talent development?

As IPL 2025 approaches, RCB must prove that they are more than just a brand. Their focus should be on winning the elusive IPL trophy rather than marketing strategies.

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